Description: The Mal-Shi is a hybrid dog that has come from crossing the Shih Tzus and the Maltese. Like all the hybrid dogs there is no set standard and so it is best to check out both breeds really well to understand what the dog may look like and if it meets your wishes for a dog. The face tends to be more Shih Tzu and the weight is 8-15 pounds, this in the small dogs is more how they are sized. The hair is usually straight and long. The colors are most commonly tan mixed with white, brown or black and sometimes solid white, but there are other colors.

History: As with a lot of the new hybrids the history has just started and it will be over time that their history takes shape. The problem with hybrids is that there are “breeders” that are just after your money and they have no understanding of true breeding. All good breeders will have good understanding and experience in breeding the two dogs that are used to gain the Mal-Shi. Health certificates are a must to show that the dogs used for breeding are of the best stock and the breeder should know about the blood lines, temperament and traits of any dogs used in the breeding program. In the future it is likely that the hybrids of today will have standards around temperament rather than look but there will be a more stable look to the breed.

Temperament: The Mal-Shi is a hardy dog that has both the temperament of being alert and friendly with a great ability to play for hours. Here is a small dog that needs good consistent training as they can have a stubborn streak. They need an owner that is firm but calm and can offer them positive training. House rules will be needed and these can be as simple as not being in the kitchen while you are cooking, to avoid tripping or standing on your dog, through to rules about not jumping up on people. They will need daily walks but these do not have to be very long. They are good with children and other household pets and are very good watchdogs.

Health issues: It is always best to go to a good breeder that understands and maybe even has a history of breeding the parent breeds. Health certificates are a must to show good breeding practices and helping you get a dog with the best health start you can. Both parent breeds have some health issues and it is too early to say what the Mal-Shi could or has inherited.

Grooming: As the Mal-Shi has long straight hair it is important that this breed is groomed daily. You can do a small brush and comb of the coat daily and a more deep and through brush weekly paying attention to the more tangled areas such as tops of legs and ears.

Living conditions: The Mal-Shi can live in an apartment and only needs a small garden.